The Weekend Sun
3
Beef with meat prices Breed more beef, make more of what you’ve got in the kitchen, or choose alternative meat for the family dinner table.
These are consumers’ options as the price of beef soars beyond many Bay of Plenty families’ budgets. “If we want cheaper beef we need to grow a lot more drystock – and that won’t please greenies,” says Greg Lasenby at The Meat Company butchery in Maunganui Rd. As Greg bones out a carcass of beef he grapples with price hikes – that half a beast, which cost him $4.70 per kilogram six months ago now costs him $6. “We want to keep faith but we are running a business.” Greg’s faith has been challenged by the cost of eye fillet jumping from $32 per kg to $39.99 and Scotch fillet from $27 per kg to $31.95 – a near 25 per cent in two months. Customers are gagging because barbecue cuts are now in the realms of haute cuisine. Rump steak is a favourite “and the tastiest,” says Greg. It sits at $18.99 per kg. “That’s if you can get it,” says Greg. His agony is created by back-to-back droughts causing poor production in the United States. That nation of red meat lovers is sucking up world supplies and forcing up prices. “I suspect customers might have to go back to the basics – sausages, corned beef and mince.” What about Australian beef? Apparently it’s the same price, is grain-fed and available. Whether this butcher knows his bones or is being parochial, he reckons customers won’t eat it. “Different taste, different texture.” The other option is ‘extending’ meat in the kitchen. Sun columnist and chef Darryl Switalla says $4-6 worth of schnitzel can feed three to four people. “Cut it into small strips with lots of vegetables and noodles and make a stir-fry. “You’re limited only by your imagination,” says Daz. Gold on a hook – The Meat Company butcher Greg Lasenby By Hunter Wells pays homage to the most expensive meat in his shop.
HUGE SAVINGS
direct from the manufacturer Bay Blinds sells directly to the public as well as other blind re-sellers throughout New Zealand and the Pacific Islands supplying a comprehensive range of vertical blinds, venetian blinds, roller blinds, wood venetians and roller sun screens. The quality of our products is equal to the very best of our out-of-town competitors, so there is no penalty when taking our cheaper option.
BAY BLINDS 8 Maleme Street, Greerton PHONE NOW FOR A FREE MEASURE & QUOTE
% 578 7794 www.bayblinds.co.nz
in the Bay www.bayblinds.co.nz Quality Blinds 100% made